We specialize in precision, close tolerance wire EDM services with exceptional capabilities in small wire EDM down to .0012" diameter wire size.

3-D CNC, Inc. provides complete EDM solutions. You will make the right choice by allowing our team of experienced EDM experts to handle your most challenging requirements.

"Turn and Burn" EDM & Core Pins

We also have a rotary indexer which gives us true “turn and burn” capabilities. Rotary wire edm allows us to machine fine features in miniature cylindrical parts that couldn’t be machined through conventional methods since no tool pressure is applied. Additionally, setup time/cost can be reduced since multiple setups are not required to complete parts.

Our rotary indexer enables us to manufacture core pins with precision and ease. We are capable of manufacturing core pins of 1.5” down to .008” diameter and smaller with manufacturing repeatability to less than .0001”.

EDM Services

We offer the following EDM services.

5-Axis Wire EDM

Conventional Sinker EDM with C-Axis

Small Hole EDM Drill

Prototype to Production

What is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)?

Electrical Discharge Machining or EDM is a machining process commonly used on hard metals, thin metals, or those that would be impossible to machine with traditional techniques. A limitation of the process is that the material must be electrically conductive. EDM is very useful for cutting intricate contours and deep cavities that would be difficult to produce by traditional machining, grinding or other cutting tools. Close tolerances can be achieved with superior repeatability from part to part. Two big advantages to other machining processes include accuracy and surface quality. Some of the more common metals machined with EDM include hardened tool-steel, carbide, and exotic alloys such as hastalloy or titanium.

EDM removes metal by producing a rapid series of repetitive electrical discharges. These electrical discharges are passed between an electrode or brass wire and the piece of metal being machined. During the EDM process, small amounts of material are removed from the workpiece and flushed away with continuously flowing fluid. The repetitive discharges work to remove tiny particles of material from the workpiece until the final shape is produced.

Three Process Methods for EDM Machining

There are three EDM process methods: conventional (sometimes referred to as ram or sinker EDM), wire EDM, and small hole EDM drilling (sometimes referred to as small hole EDM burning or small hole EDM popping). The differences between the three involves the electrode used to perform the machining. In a conventional EDM application, a graphite electrode is machined with traditional tools. The machined electrode is connected to the power source, attached to a z-axis head, and slowly fed into the workpiece. The machining operation is usually performed while submerged in a fluid bath of synthetic dielectric oil. The fluid helps flush material away while acting as a coolant to minimize the heat-affected zone.

In wire EDM a very small diameter brass wire, diameter range from .0012” - .013”, and serves as the electrode. The wire passes through the material allowing the electrical discharge to cut the workpiece. A thin kerf is created from the wire stemming from the removal of the tiny particles of metal. As with conventional EDM, wire EDM is also usually performed while submerged in deionized water to help material flushing, and to minimize the heat-affected zone.

During the EDM process, neither the electrode nor the brass wire touches the metal to be cut. The electrical discharge removes small amounts of material and allow the wire or electrode to be moved or sunk through the workpiece. The process is typically controlled by computer programming allowing for extremely complex shapes, close tolerances, and repeatability.

Small hole EDM drilling is another EDM process that can use electrodes (drill) sizes of .006” - .252” diameter. This works under the same principles as conventional EDM and wire EDM. Electricity discharges off the end of the electrode producing a hole .002” - .003” larger than the electrode used. Small hole EDM is also usually performed with the workpiece submerged in deionized water, or synthetic dielectric oil.

The most typical application for electrical discharge machining of parts is found in the tooling industry for manufacturing components for dies and molds. It is also a useful process for making very thin metal parts and producing prototypes that require a short lead time.